FROM SULTANATE PERIOD TILL DATE: AN ESTIMATE OF ROLE AND STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN INDIA

Sugandha Rawat Vyas & Dr. Pradeep Kumar

ABSTRACT

Ever since the evolution of Islam and advent of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent, Muslim women have played a convincing role in shaping up the history of our country. Whether they be the erstwhile royalty or the common women, they have actively participated in the political as well as socio-cultural sphere of the country. However there have been few scholarly attempts to bring to light the concerns, trials and tribulations endured by them in this long journey, especially the common women. The Quran mentions that both men and women are equal and they both are created from nafs wahidah (a single soul).Thus, in textual Islam women have been accorded a very high status. The present paper aims to put forward socio-economic and legal standing of Muslim women within a historical framework commencing with the inception of Muslim rule in India till date besides outlining their contributions, successes and failures as also the challenges that they face.